I know we're down on Hofstadter these days, but this does seem to have nailed it: "The nation seems to slouch onward into its uncertain future like some huge inarticulate beast, too much attainted by wounds and ailments to be robust, but too strong and resourceful to succumb."
I feel like Hofstadter used it on an earlier occasion. It was a staple of mid-century centrism. I do wonder who first popularized it?
-
-
I think
@xlorentzen's take is correct, it's all just variations on Yeats -
in other words, Yeats popularized it
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.